KirtanNirmolakHeera

It seems to me that he was referring to non-believers of God, and not Catholicism. Why would he make specific mention of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism? Why not the other two Abrahamic religions?

Something struck me as controversial in the new episode of Law and Order airing as I write. The episode is about a man who uses religion as a tool to justify a murder. He says that if his daughter's teacher continued to teach evolution in school, the teacher would make her a non-believer. He kills the teacher, Mr. Nash, and says that if he didn't kill the teacher, God would have exacted His wrath on the daughter at any moment. A lawyer questions his reasoning. The lawyer claims that the man in question is schizophrenic, as his "magical thinking" suggests. The lawyer follows up by asking, "Since God has allowed millions of non-believers to live, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs... What makes you so certain that He was going to hurt your daughter?" Sikhism is clearly a religion that believes in God. The writers of Law and Order are intelligent people; why, then, would they label Sikhs as non-believers? Please do not debate the argument about God's wrath being mentioned in the show. Instead, let's talk about this "Sikhs being non-believers" issue and what can be done about it.

Could it not be that the words "mother" and "durga" and other Hindu religious names are used simply to make allusions to the GOOD qualities in those dieties (regardless of whether we believe in them)? Gurbani, too, refers to Waheguru as a mother, and calls Waheguru by terms often associated with Hinduism.

Is anyone here going to Camp Chardi Kala, at camp Na-Sho-Pa, this year? If so, how do you feel about the camp? I like it, as it actually challenges me unlike certain other camps around me.

I do encourage the speaking of Punjabi in Punjab, but I would never tell someone not to speak in Hindi. Hindi and English have equal Parliamentary status in India, that is why speaking those languages is encouraged, so that people of one state can communicate with those of other states. What reason is there to be pi$$ed at Punjabi Sikhs speaking Hindi? Could it be that we have come to associate Hindi and Hinduism with each other because of their similar spelling and root? I do understand that the Indian government seeks to have Punjabis accept Hindi as their mother tongue and the fact that that is indeed a bad thing, but to completely boycott the language is a foolish sort of protest. To be very straightforward and contrary to the beliefs of many people here, I do not believe in the concept of a "mother tongue". "Mother tongues" are aspects of culture that I think are causing useless fights and conflicts. To me it is like this: You learn a language, communicate in it, and that's it. But don't stop there! Learn as many languages as possible. It is not necessary to start out speaking in the language your parents spoke, and that your ancestors have past down. My parents and their parents, and generations before, spoke both Hindi, Punjabi, and English, all in equal frequencies. My parents started me out with learning the basics of English and Punjabi, and then it was up to me to decide what I wanted to speak. I chose to educate myself in English and Punjabi, as my parents desired. However, I also taught myself to speak Hindi just in case. I did go to those states, and did witness what you did. You have to realize that due to the lack of cultural unity amongst Indian states, every state has its own language. Hindi became very popular, as it was a language that linked the various citizens of India. The language, at some point, became so immensely popular that it served as the language of inter-state and international business in areas like Mumbai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc. Thus, the official languages of the states in which those cities are, became Hindi. To sum up, every state has its own language, but some states share their official language with that of the entire nation. So, it would be wrong to be thinking like "I have never seen a person speaking punjabi in schools or public places in those states then why should we allow hindi to be spoken as the main language." because it is not necessary for them to speak Punjabi as speaking it would serve them no purpose. They speak Hindi for two reasons, which coincide: it is one of their state languages as well as one of their national languages. In a similar manner, residents of Punjab should speak their state language (Punjabi) AND their national language (Hindi and English). Why do you say: ? Hindi is NOT the main language of Punjab, although efforts are being made by certain individuals to make it so. For one to speak Hindi in Punjab is not a bad thing, but for a government to change the official language in Punjab entirely is a debate on a whole other level.Lastly, I do not feel one should have pride in his/her language. Speaking one language over another may have certain benefits, but many disadvantages as well. Languages are something we humans have created as a means of communication, but some prefer languages we do not, so we should leave it at that and give up saying "punjabi pride" and things of the sort. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the Punjabi language. I do not, however, attach it to myself and call it mine, leaving all other options behind. I also am in no way defending the corruption of the Indian government, but am saying that Hindi, despite its immense popularity and exclusive legal status, is a language nonetheless.

Like I said earlier, don't try to defend the Punjabi language as though it is a religious language, because it is not. I spent two years of my life (2001-2003) in Chandigarh. To communicate with people, I did what S1ngh did. I later realized that the method is ridiculous in the sense that it favors Punjabi and English over Hindi, which is a completely normal language to be spoken. Does freedom of speech not ring a bell? One has the right to speak whatever he/she wants, in whichever language he/she wants. Forgetting the legality of it, why would you not allow for the Hindi language to be spoken? What is wrong with it? If your concern is Punjabi pride --- Pride of being from Punjab (where Punjabi is spoken), then you may be right. However, you must realize that at one point, the Punjabi-speakers there may have spoken some language in the middle of Sanskrit and Punjabi (very close, then, to Hindi). Like I said earlier, don't try to defend the Punjabi language as though it is a religious language, because it is not. I spent two years of my life (2001-2003) in Chandigarh. To communicate with people, I did what S1ngh did. I later realized that the method is ridiculous in the sense that it favors Punjabi and English over Hindi, which is a completely normal language to be spoken. Does freedom of speech not ring a bell? One has the right to speak whatever he/she wants, in whichever language he/she wants. Forgetting the legality of it, why would you not allow for the Hindi language to be spoken? What is wrong with it? If your concern is Punjabi pride --- Pride of being from Punjab (where Punjabi is spoken), then you may be right. However, you must realize that at one point, the Punjabi-speakers there may have spoken some language in the middle of Sanskrit and Punjabi (very close, then, to Hindi).

Honestly, I used to feeel <Edited>, too. I have, however, come to my own personal conclusion that language and religion should have nothing in common, except for in the case of learning Gurbani roots for the sake of properly understanding the banis of our gurus. Remember not to think of Punjabi as the Sikh language, because it is not. Suppose someone is to convert into Sikhism and he does not understand a word of Punjabi. He would not be wrong in speaking another language, as long as he is able to understand and evaluate texts from Gurbani without translation. As for parents speaking Hindi with their children, I do not think it is necessarily a bad thing. My parents speak with me in Punjabi and English, and sometimes (rarely) even in Hindi or Spanish. As for generalizations being made that all Punjabi-speakers are illiterate are just false. The various Punjabi-speakers worldwide include scholars, authors, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, poets, and playwrights. Certainly, such people are not illiterate, and nor should the average Punjabi-speaker be expected to be. Unless your cousins actually are "bhaiyas" (which I doubt), for you to call them so would be a non-Sikh act. Whether your intention is to say so behind their back in the sense that they should not hear your true feelings about them, or just to ridicule them, your actions are unjust. The wisest thing would be to confront your cousins, and speak with eachother on the issue. You say: . Could it be simply that your cousins cannot speak Punjabi? If you are not from India, you may want to know that Indians assume that other Indians can speak Hindi. Whenever I visit my friends in Chandigarh and speak with them in Punjabi, they occasionally respond in Hindi. Its a slip of tongue because such people are used to speaking Hindi for legal, official, everyday, and business reasons. Many other of my friends actually have trouble speaking Punjabi. When they do, as I told you before, they assume I speak Hindi (which I can), and express their thoughts with less tension, making it easier for the both of us. Find out exaclty how much Punjabi and Hindi your cousins know. If they are able to speak Punjabi and you are not able to speak Hindi properly, then I'd advise that you all speak in Punjabi. However, if they cannot speak Punjabi, and you know just a little bit of Hindi, speak it.As for a solution, do confront your cousins, and decide on a language to speak in such that the conversations the two of you share move smoothly. Do not ever make the mistake of making such a relationship: "Punjabi:Sikhism as Hindi:Hinduism" Remember, always speak the language which most successfully aids in the fulfilling of your daily tasks or allows for ease during a friendly conversation. It is never wrong to learn as many languages as possible. The more languages you learn, the more easliy you are able to communicate with the many people of this world who have much of their culture to share with you. I, as an individual, may not be the most reliable of sources to answer your problem, so ask others and think for yourself. More questions would gladly be welcomed.

Thank You so much, Pritam Singh Khalsa, I sort of understand your point. One thing, and you don't have to answer, why are generalizations like that of all men being woman lovers and sperm-donors made so often? If the gurus' intention was to make the world and its people better, will such a goal ever be accomplished, or will men ALWAYS be evil and women always be GOOD? I personally have faith in the human race. Thank You!

I don't understand why women cover themselves for modesty, and men don't have to. Women cover themselves so that men don't feel an unwanted attraction to them. Shouldn't men be doing this too, as women CAN have such feelings as well? Honestly, I think that there are only two ways of solving the problem: either both men AND women get bathing houses, or NONE of them do. This is the way it's been solved in the past, in places such as Ancient Rome, or even modern Japan. Once again, I agree that this is a useless topic, but I want a proper conclusion before I move on!

Khalsa Fauji, Sikhism acts not as a tool that forever defends women's disrespect, but completely elliminates it. Our respect isn't for the oppressed only, it is for everyone. Why then should men sacrifice their own respect for that of women? Isn't it more reasonable, then, to respect everyone? This spread of the concept that "women are equal to men" has, in a sense, made men lower. Why is it easier for women to lose their respect? Because we allow for it to happen. All of these examples like "guy goes out with girl..." are caused by the the spread of the "bad" Punjabi culture, and again, because we allow for it to happen. We are not police officers who go out and look for people behaving badly against women; we can however be considered as such, but we defend the human race in its entirety. The Darbar Sahib is not a Punjabi mela, so there is no reason for culture not prescribed by Sikhism to be followed there. When you say females get their own area out of respect, you are also, in a way, saying that men are being DISrespected by not being given privacy rights.

I understand that we are physically different, and that equality has its limits. It's quite obvious from the very fact that we LOOK different. But that doesn't mean that women should be allowed to be covered, and not men. People make generalizations and assign particular traits, characteristics, qualities, roles, etc. to both men and women. That bra example that was given was not the type that would help me figure this issue out. Its not needed by men; but privacy, in certain cases, is. If we are Sikhs, and we respect each other, what harm is there in public bathing? What if, say, a man wants HIS privacy? It is impossible to say we are equal in all ways, but the opportunities each gender receives should be equal; why would it be just to provide benefits to one party and not the other, when both parties respect each other and are both Sikhs? Mentioned directly after my initial post was the fact that it is a cultural thing. So what? We are not necessarily bounded by Punjabi culture, as the gurus told us. I also understand that this is the least of worries for Sikhs today, but I'm just curious, and I would like to understand the morals behind this. Thank You.

Correct me if I am wrong. The Sikh faith grants equality amongst men and women. People take that idea for granted. Discussions on womens' rights end with the conclusion that women are, in a sense, better than men and not equal to men. When people give proofs for gender equality, they tend to use lines that "over-praise" women. Many such double-standards exist today that are there to protect women, and make men "not proud to be who they were born as". Anyways, that is not what I intend to ask, but serves merely as a basis. In Darbar Sahib, why are the women's Ishnaan Ghars covered with all that metal, i.e., why do women have privacy? In order to maintain the fact that we are equal, wouldn't it be fair to either establish such "booths" for men as well, or to have everyone bathe publicly? Many would argue that women bathing would ignite the Kaam in men, but it is an established fact that women, too, are vulnerable to succumbing to such feelings upon seeing men bathing. I think that society fails to accept such truths, proven by both the sciences as well as the great Bani of our gurus. What justification is there for having a bathing booth for women, and not men? Or, why does the women's booth exist at all? What is annoying me much is that the more people learn about equality, the more they tend to exploit it and over-use its advantages, to benefit a previously oppressed party. Is it not possible to for once "recognize all as the human race" ? I hear people telling so-called "shocking" stories about women doing things today that could not be done in the past. What is there to be shocked by? If not shocked, others tend to be proud of women? Why stop at women when you can recognize this as a feat of the power of mankind, with the holy Grace of Waheguru? Note, everything I asked after the Ishnaan Ghar question was a rhetorical remark used to support my reason for asking such a question. I really do want to know about the origins, the practicality, and the justification for the establishment of such Ishnaan Ghars. Thank You.

What is this "Kaur Voices" ? I am not in favor of the existence of female groups. Not to say I am sexist, but I think what we need now more than ever is unity. If seminar is to be held, or a society is to be formed, why should it favor the people of one gender? Sikh communities should be made to discuss Sikh problems, not girl problems. Double-standards do exist that are against men. Ignored will be such complaints in a female-governed society. If I am wrong, please correct me; I am so against people preaching that women need more rights, because such discussions usually end with people thinking women are BETTER and not EQUAL to men.

I am a Sikh, and I trace my ancestry from Punjab. I practice Sikhi and certain [accepted] practices of Punjabi culture. A question came to me recently: Are Sikhs a group of people (sort of like a race), or are Sikhs followers of a religious doctrine (anyone from anywhere can be a Sikh)? The answer seems quite obvious, but why then do many Sikhs consider Punjab a holy land? Why do people say "India and Hindus out of Punjab!" ? Why do people speak of Hindu nationalists attacking Punjab resulting in a religious affair? There is, I believe, no reason for Hindus not to live alongside Punjabi Sikhs. What if a European Sikh's father's grandfather's father was born in Europe; is Punjab of any importance to him? Punjab is a state of India, and it has [now to be considered limited] freedom of religion like other states. Why then do people consider Punjab the "property" of Sikhs? Just because many or most of our historical events took place in Punjab does not mean Punjab is ours; important events for Hindus and Muslims, too, took place there. Furthermore, when people speak of Khalistan as a separatist movement, why should the proposed territory be that which today is Punjab, when only recently have Sikhs populated it? Please do correct me if there is anything wrong with what I say; it would help me if I know where my faults lie. Thank You. :T:

Very brief question... does any one know how to play Anuradha Paudwal's version of Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ihai...on the harmonium?

I am very sorry if any other Gursikhs or I have posted this question many times before, but I would like a thorough description of how to tie a dumalla. No videos, please. Any step-by-step sequence of pictures or detailed instructions would, however, be greatly appreciated. Thank You, vwihgurU jI kw Kwlsw, vwihgurU jI kI Pqih]

If the only way to be a true Sikh is to practice and abide by all that is written in the Sikh Rehet Maryada, then, legally, what term can be used to describe the religion of a man or a woman who is trying to acheive the true title of a Sikh, as recognized by the Khalsa Panth?

What metals, woods, and skins (goat or deer...) are best for what can be considered an "amazing tabla" ? I am a beginner, and wished to purchase both, a beginner, and pro tabla. Can someone help me find a good pro one? srry if this is the wrong place to post this message. :e:

WJKK, WJKF! Can anyone show me how to tie a dumalla by a series of pictures labelling every step? Or show me a video other than the one on sikhifm/ekta-one... I need serious help cuz i have a dumalla competition in a couple of days at camp, and i need to know for other occasions. Thank You. WJKK, WJKF!

I'm not too sure... are us Sikhs allowed to wear Japanese, Persian, Spanish, or other styles of swords and daggers instead of Punjabi/Indian ones? Thank You.

I recently joined a Sikh youth camp, and noticed that pretty much everyone there ties a dumalla. Can people please teach me their methods? WJKK WJKF.